Auto Body Shops

Here
are some valuable tips for chosing a qualified
auto body repair shop:

Ask if technicians are trained
or certified. If body technicians, painters,
office staff, and even the detail person that
cleans your car are trained, it means they have
attended a course or series of courses on Auto
Collision Repair. Businesses with trained personnel
are likely to display these and other certificates
or diplomas in the customer waiting area. This
indicates the business is committed to a higher
level of training and professionalism.

Ask about the business' industry
and consumer affiliations. For example, a business
that is a member of ASA has agreed to uphold
the association's Code of Ethics, which sets
the standard for professionalism in the collision
repair industry. In addition, you may wish to
check the business' affiliation and record with
the Better Business Bureau.

Expect the collision repair facility
to be neat, clean and well organized. The flow
of existing work should be almost unnoticeable.

Note whether the employees are
helpful and courteous. This will give you an
idea of how you will be treated throughout the
repair process.

Ask about the shop policy on
replacement parts. When does the shop feel that
non original equipment manufacturer's parts
are to be used? You have the right to choose
which type of parts go on your car.

Ask how long the shop has been
in business.

Ask about the shops painting
procedures. Does the shop have a computerized
system for mixing the paint and keeping up with
the waste? Ask about the paint manufacturer's
guarantee.

Check what guarantees the shop
offers. Quality collision repair shops should
offer a "Limited Lifetime Guarantee".
Ask to see a copy of a printed guarantee, read
it and ask questions if you do not understand
what is covered and not covered.

Make sure you get a written Visible
Damage Appraisal. Most Insurance Companies require
that a shop only appraise what can be seen,
this means that there is usually hidden damage
not appraised. An Insurance Company has the
right to inspect the damages they are paying
to repair or replace and have procedures for
these supplemental items to be submitted for
payment.

A Quality Collision Repair
facility can usually be found by asking your
Insurance Agent, family, friends, neighbors
and co-workers for their recommendations.